Introduction to Mixtape

Mixtape can be seen as the video game equivalent of the movie High Fidelity, capturing the essence of late-1990s and early-2000s nostalgia with its outstanding soundtrack. Although the analogy is not perfect, it signifies that Mixtape will be an excellent representation of that era.

Gameplay and Setting

The game’s trailers showcase its ability to replicate the classic Moviefone tone, which is also evident in the full game. After playing Mixtape for approximately 30 minutes at Summer Game Fest 2025, it’s clear that the game’s protagonist, Rockford, is a charismatic and cool teenager. She addresses the player directly, introducing her friends and cuing up the game’s music, similar to John Cusack’s character in High Fidelity. Most of the gameplay unfolds in a third-person perspective, where Rockford and her friends engage in various activities such as skateboarding, evading the police, and socializing in her bedroom.

Developer and Soundtrack

Mixtape is developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur, the same studio behind The Artful Escape. The game utilizes music as a core element for storytelling and setting the scene, which is fitting given the studio’s founder, Johnny Galvatron, is a rock star. The soundtrack features prominent bands from the 80s, 90s, and beyond, including DEVO, Roxy Music, and The Smashing Pumpkins.

Visuals and Animation

Visually, Mixtape boasts a stunning 3D aesthetic with a warm color palette, reminiscent of Life is Strange or Telltale’s The Walking Dead series. The characters’ movements are fluid and reminiscent of Spider-Verse animation, allowing for seamless gameplay. Even during intense moments like skateboarding, the game responds well to controller input.

Unique Mechanics and References

The game incorporates surprising mechanics, such as a scene where the player controls two tongues making out in a cartoon-like realism, and another where the player makes the characters headbang in a car, à la Wayne’s World. The music is carefully curated, with each song given time to shine. These elements come together to create a love letter to the early 2000s, rather than a cheap nostalgia grab.

Release Information

Mixtape is set to release on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S in 2025, published by Annapurna Interactive. With its beautiful graphics, engaging mechanics, and nostalgic value, Mixtape is sure to delight players who grew up in the early 2000s.